A second Iranian ballistic missile is intercepted in Turkish airspace by NATO defences, as the US orders its citizens to leave southeast Turkey.
ANKARA: NATO air defences intercepted a second Iranian ballistic missile in Turkish airspace within five days.
The Turkish defence ministry confirmed the incident occurred on Monday, with fragments landing harmlessly in Gaziantep province.
This follows a similar interception on March 4, which prompted NATO to strengthen its ballistic missile defence posture in the region.
In response to the escalating threat, the United States has ordered non-essential staff to leave its consulate in Adana.
The US State Department also strongly urged all American citizens in southeast Turkey to depart immediately.
The US embassy cited “safety risks” for the ordered departure from Consulate General Adana.
The intercepted missile was neutralised by NATO defence assets in the eastern Mediterranean.
Fragments from the weapon fell in an empty area of a housing estate in Gaziantep, causing no injuries or damage.
Local resident Ramazan Akpinar described hearing a loud bang but confirmed there was no explosion.
Turkey’s presidential communications chief, Burhanettin Duran, reiterated the country’s commitment to protecting its airspace.
“We once again strongly reiterate our warning to all parties, particularly Iran, to refrain from actions that could endanger regional security,” he stated.
The missile was reportedly spotted by Spanish troops manning a Patriot missile battery at Incirlik air base.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed her troops detected and reported the missile attack.
Incirlik air base is a crucial NATO facility located just 10 kilometres outside Adana.
The base has been used by US troops for decades and houses American military assets.
Iran has launched missile and drone strikes across the Middle East since US-Israeli attacks began on February 28.
These retaliatory strikes aim to hit US assets in the region.
Despite hosting several US military bases, Turkey had previously appeared spared from direct hits.
The latest interceptions mark a significant escalation and direct threat to Turkish territory.
